Prof. Zhang Kangfu and Miss Li Xiaoxia, teachers of Confucius Institute at University of Mauritius, provided Tai Chi training on the "Eight Methods and Five Steps" to University students participating in the "Seeds for the Future" program. A total of 50 students from the University of Mauritius, University of Technology Mauritius, Middlesex University, Mauritius, and the African Leadership College attended the training.
The training was divided into two sessions of theory and practice. Miss Li was the main lecturer of the theory session. She first introduced the meaning of the Tai Chi Fist Salute. The traditional ritual of the Fist Salute carries profound cultural connotations and significance. It is usually performed at the beginning and end of Tai Chi practice to show respect for the teacher, peers, and the art of Tai Chi. Then she focused on introducing the basic characteristics of the traditional "Thirteen Postures", namely "Eight Methods and Five Steps" of Chinese Tai Chi. The eight methods include "Warding Off, Rolling Back, Pressing, Pushing, Pulling Down, Splitting, Elbowing and Shouldering” which are eight different upper-extremity movements, and the five steps include "Advancement, Retreat, Shifting Left, Shifting Right, and Central Equilibrium" which are five lower-extremity movements in five directions. "Eight Methods and Five Steps" are the core content of Tai Chi, and they serve as the fundamental techniques and footwork for adjusting body position, coordinating movements, and responding to opponents in Tai Chi practice.
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The practical session was mainly led by Prof. Zhang through a combination of instructions and exercises. In the first stage of instructions, the main focus was on explaining the essentials of the "Eight Methods," breaking down the movements, and demonstrating the routine. Through repeated demonstrations of the movement in detail, the students became familiar with the techniques and understood the essentials of each movement. The second stage involved practicing the "Five Steps" footwork. Close attention was given to the relationship between detailed breakdown and the overall movement. The practice of “Five Body Postures” was then completed by combining the "Eight Methods" to the "Five Steps". After the demonstration and explanation, the teachers and students practiced the entire set of movements of the "Eight Methods and Five Steps" together. Although the students' movements appeared a bit awkward at first, as the practice continued, gradually they could perform the movements smoothly in sync with the music, demonstrating each technique with greater precision. The students were delighted to see that they could grasp the basic skills of the "Eight Methods and Five Steps" in such a short period of time and successfully completed the entire set of movements.
At the end of the training, the two teachers told the students that this training was just the beginning of their journey into Tai Chi. They encouraged the students to practice more and gain deeper insights. Tai Chi is just a microcosm of Chinese martial arts, and Chinese martial arts culture is vast and profound. Only through long-term focus and practice can one truly understand its inner spirit. The students expressed their gratitude for the patient explanations and earnest guidance provided by the two teachers. They also expressed their interest in and enthusiasm for Chinese Tai Chi. They hoped that by learning Tai Chi, they could gain a better understanding of Chinese Tai Chi culture and art.
Prof. Zhang Kangfu practicing Taichi with the students
Miss Li Xiaoxia demonstrating the movements
Group photo of two teachers with the students